On the bluffs of the Illinois River, this small but charming park is home to an enormous outdoor sculpture. Mounds representing five earthen sculptures molded from Illinois clay, known as Effigy Tumuli, invite visitors to walk around and explore. All five subjects, including a snake, turtle, catfish, frog and insect are native to the Illinois River area. This State Park offers the ideal terrain for the beginner hiker.

Geneva restaurants create an array of specialties under an outdoor tent at the “Flavor Fare” partnered with wine and live musical entertainment. The Fall Harvest Market offers food and floral demos, unique displays plus Kid’s Patch activities. An arts and crafts show, flower market, horse-drawn carriage rides and several exceptional wine tasting and dinner events also take place around the historic downtown.

Go on a one of a kind country adventure you'll never forget! Become pioneers for a day on a real 1800s farm and village. Miniature train rides, pony rides, petting zoo, pioneer craft demonstrations, and special events. In the Discovery Barn see chickens, sheep, piglets, baby goats and more.

Find impressive savings at over 120 designer and name-brand outlet stores, such as Ann Taylor, Armani, ASICS, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach, Cole Haan, DKNY, Gap, J.Crew, Lacoste, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michael Kors, Theory, Vera Bradley and more. The opening of an additional 80 stores in the spring of 2016 will make this even more of a Midwest Shopping destination! In Aurora, 37 miles west of Chicago.

The Holiday Light Train is Pete's biggest event of the year. The park is decorated for the Holidays. See over 250,000 lights in various displays. Giant toy soldiers, candy canes, cascading snow flakes, flying reindeer, and swans swimming, just to name a few of Pete's displays!

Looking for that perfect daring escape for you, your friends or family? Zip Chicago Canopy Tours provides an experience you will not soon forget. It will create memories that last a life time. The tour is completely guided and contains no motorized machines for propulsion. All you have to do is enjoy your flight! Our guests can reach speeds of up to 45 mph. The platforms and suspension bridges are surrounded by an assortment of native trees. Check out our different tours to see which adventure is the right one for you!

The I&M Canal Trail offers 61 miles of picturesque hiking and biking trails that follow the historic route of the I&M Canal from Channahon to LaSalle. The Trail also boasts Illinois’ longest continuous snowmobile trail, and is a favored route for cross-country skiers.

The Illinois River slices a 273-mile long path through the state—its waters lapping along the shores of many cities, including LaSalle, Peru, Peoria and Ottawa to name just a few. It’s in Ottawa where the Illinois River meets Buffalo Rock. Buffalo Rock sits like a sandstone island above the surrounding land and the Illinois River, and offers sweeping views of this famed waterway. Whether you’re kayaking or canoeing, you’ll experience the shear power of the winding river that was carved by glacial melt water in all its seasonal colors, with its various incarnations of forests, wetlands, bluffs and prairies to enjoy.

If you are looking for affordable summer fun, look no further than Joliet's Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway. We provide the fastest entertainment in the area and play host to NASCAR, NHRA, and Team Demolition Derby on three different tracks. Headlining at Route 66 Raceway, the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals presented by Super Start Batteries takes place on June 28-30. At Chicagoland Speedway, make sure to join us on September 13-15, for the first race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup! As the first of 10 Chase races, the GEICO 400 begins NASCAR's thrilling playoffs. With a wide variety of family friendly options, you can't beat summer at Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway.

Nestled in the heart of the Fox Valley, and home to dozens of delightful shops, restaurants and galleries is Geneva – a picture postcard. Come stroll along the lush, tree-lined streets and visit a historic town with exquisite dining, boutique shopping, world-class lodging and award-winning festivals. Located 50 miles from downtown Chicago, Geneva is a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle by I-88, I-90 or Metra train.

Kuipers Family Farm is a 230 acre entertainment farm. U-Pick Apple Orchard September thru October. Orchard Store is open thru Mid December offering apples, pasteurized apple cider, our famous cider donuts, home baked pies, cream & butter fudge & country gifts and goodies. Have we grown a challenge for you at The Amazing Maize Maze open weekends only thru October. U-Pick Pumpkin Farm Mid September thru October features Scarecrow Acres where customers can enjoy hay wagon and pony rides, the Haunted Forest, a petting corral and much more down-on-the-farm fun! U-Cut or precut Christmas Trees Nov. thru Mid Dec.

Saw Wee Kee Park sits along the south shore of the Fox River. Located in Oswego this park has an abundance of fun, advanced mountain bike singletrack trails to conquer. These 5 miles of steep inclines and quick descents will give you plenty of stories to tell your friends. While you are there you can also fish, kayak and canoe along the Fox River.

The Joliet Slammers are a professional baseball team based in Joliet, IL that play in the independent Frontier League. Home games are played at Silver Cross Field in Joliet. They are the 2011 Frontier League champions.

The Vaughan Athletic Center is dedicated to fitness excellence with quality equipment and programs designed to offer members the best value for their fitness dollar. The newest facility in the Fox Valley Park District is the Vaughan Athletic Center located on Indian Trail near Orchard Road on the far west side of Aurora. The Vaughan Athletic Center features 225,000 square feet of athletic, fitness, and aquatic fun. The Vaughan Athletic Center is home to an aquatic center with three indoor pools. The aquatic center offers lap swimming, diving boards, warm water therapy, swim lessons, and aquatic fitness classes. In addition, there is an indoor water park featuring two water slides, a lazy river, and spray and play areas. In the Vaughan Athletic Center’s 10,000-square-foot, full-service fitness center, members can use a wide variety of equipment, attend the Fox Valley area’s best group exercise classes, and receive personalized, one-on-one help from certified trainers. This year-round indoor water park has tube slides, zero-depth entry and interactive water play.

Originally constructed in 1855-1865, the roundhouse was renovated and now houses Illinois' largest microbrewery and brewpub. Passion for beer, love of food, and appreciation for great architecture flourishes in the walls of this historic 70,000 square foot facility. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Two Brothers Roundhouse is the oldest limestone roundhouse in the United States. As they bring new life to this 155 year old building, enjoy a casual atmosphere in the main dining room gastropub, our sports tavern and music venue or our new cafe and bakery. There is more to do than dinner at the Roundhouse. As with the beer and food, the live entertainment has a local flair. Whether it be a wedding, reunion or corporate event, they have a variety of spaces for friends and family to gather. Cheers!

Dotted along the 179-mile byway, you’ll find an unprecedented series of interpretive murals. Each artistically embodies the cultural heritage of the community where it is located and the legacy of the historic highway. Needless to say, taking a road trip to all or a couple makes for a nostalgic adventure.

Whether you are visiting for work or pleasure, Naperville has something to fit your taste. Come and experience big city styles with small town smiles! Discover the charming shops and distinctive restaurants along our tree-lined streets. Stroll the Riverwalk and enjoy the many pieces of public art, fountains and covered bridges.

Hollywood Casino Aurora has all of the newest and hottest slots. Denominations ranging from 1 cent to $100 including multi-denomination machines. One blockbuster hit after another, plus find all traditional favorites, popular themes and progressive machines that deliver big pay outs, plus the best variety of table games and Poker Room.

Holly Days, sponsored by the Warrenville Park District is the City's annual holiday celebration that marks Santa's official entry into Warrenville. Guests can enjoy a warm bonfire, raffles, free horse and carriage rides, hot cider and cookies, and, of course, a visit with Santa. Local Park District and school dance troops, singers, and bands entertain attendees during the event. It is at this event that Warrenville officially turns on its holiday lights creating an array of colors for passersby along Route 56 to see. Holly Days, primarily for Warrenville residents, gives the community an opportunity to come together and kick off the holiday season.

Zero-depth sand beach, two islands, youth water slide, drop slide and diving tower with two-and four-meter platforms. Kid tested and family approved. This beach features a sand bottom swimming area covering 60,000 sq. ft. that includes: slides, an island diving area, playground, sand volleyball courts, a large sandy area for building castles, picnic area and concessions. Open May 23 through August 16. Hours 12 - 6 pm (Hours extended to 7 pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays).

Two Brothers Brewing Company is a family owned and operated microbrewery and brewpub located in the western suburbs of Chicago. They’ve been handcrafting artisan beers since 1997. Currently, the brewery resides in a 40,000 square foot facility 30 miles west of Chicago. In addition to their traditional style beers, Two Brothers Brewing Company produces many specialty beers including a line of oak aged ales. Adjacent to the brewery, Two Brothers Tap House opened in 2008 as a restaurant that serves elevated, seasonal, and organic American pub fare. Brewery tours are offered on weekends.

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Jump in to summer fun at Centennial Beach! Featuring four acres of grass and trees, a sand beach, water play features, an NCAA/U.S.S.-approved diving complex, this historic beach is a place the whole family can enjoy! With water depths ranging from zero to 15 feet, the facility caters to swimmers of all skill levels. Combined with a playground, Frisbee® Area, shallow end slide, concessions stand and Beach store, Centennial Beach is the perfect way to beat the summer heat. Named "best public place to swim" in 2008 by Fox News Chicago viewers in an online poll!

Travel through time and space! Walk through a replica of the I & M Canal, window shop on a turn-of-the-century street, take a virtual ride on a replica trolley, live the legend of Route 66, land on the moon in a walk-in simulator, and experience space exploration and the Apollo missions. Temporary exhibits change often in our Special Exhibition Gallery. There's always family fun in our discovery room, and remember your visit with a souvenir from our Gift Shop.

Welcome to one of Illinois’ premier boutique wineries! Just west of Chicago, in the Fox River Valley, you have the chance to experience truly unique, fine wines of Illinois! Whether you prefer red, white, dry or sweet, you’ll find the perfect wine for your palate at Fox Valley Winery. So spend a little time with them at their beautiful Fox River Valley location. Sample their wines and judge for yourself.

Located on over 325 acres including a 28-acre fishing lake with a one-mile multiple use trail and a restored prairie grass development. The remains of the extinct elephant-like mastodon were found in this lake in the 1930s. Attractions include a life-size sculpture of a mastodon at the Mastodon Gallery, the gorgeous Sunken Garden, an 18-hole golf course and driving range, a zoo, war memorials, a winter recreation area and a 8,000-square-foot BMX & Skate Park.

DuPage Children’s Museum is more than a Museum. We’re a force for early learning! Experience a unique hands-on museum where children and adults learn and play together in neighborhoods of hands-on exhibits designed to promote skill development in math, science and art. DuPage Children's Museum helps develop curiosity, creativity, thinking and problem solving in young children. Check out our new S.M.A.R.T. Café, where food becomes an opportunity to learn about science, math, art, reading and technology.

A 32-acre park built in cooperation with Batavia Park District, the city of Batavia and the Batavia Riverwalk Committee. Park your bikes by the Depot Museum and stroll the boardwalks through the wildflower garden.

Relax on the big grassy hill at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theatre while enjoying a variety of free family entertainment every Thursday, June 4 through August 27. Enjoy tasty, affordable concessions in a scenic setting along the waterway. Great $2 hot dogs! Picnic baskets welcome. Bring blankets and chairs for hill seating. Free parking. Visit the park's website for the performers. Every Thursday night at 6:30pm.

Whether you're here to watch improv or stand-up, you're in for a great time! Come early and enjoy a drink and the thousands of pieces of comedy memorabilia that puts the "shrine" in The Comedy Shrine. Interested in classes? We have those too! You are never too old or too young to try your hand at comedy. Check out our website for upcoming class dates and prices.

Acquaviva is a family-owned vineyard and winery that includes a tasting bar, Neapolitan-style pizza bistro with foods paired to accompany the wines, retail market place, private event space and a visible winemaking production center.

Prairie Lakes offers a 9 hole golf course and a full service restaurant and hotel. Hotel and Golf packages available and banquet facilities. Golf opens daily at 7:00am and the restaurant is open 11:00am - 10:00pm daily. Call for seasonal hours.

River Bluff-Effigy Tumuli Trails in Buffalo Rock State Park offers a unique hiking experience high above the Illinois River and around the massive earthen sculptures of the Effigy Tumuli. Clocking in at 3-miles this easy to moderate hike will be a sight you’ll want to see. The River Bluff Trail is a great way to experience the Buffalo Rock landscape. Buffalo Rock sits like a sandstone island above the surrounding land and Illinois River. The park features oak and hickory woodlands and an expanse of restored grassland where the Effigy Tumuli rise.

Troll Hollow is the “summer home” to campers who come back year after year after year to make new memories with family and friends. In fact, the campers at Troll Hollow have become such good friends that they feel like family. Nestled in the beautiful Illinois Valley area, Troll Hollow is just minutes away from fun for every member of your family, whether they prefer biking, hiking or kayaking in the great outdoors, or strolling the charming streets of nearby Utica searching for the perfect antique.

Designed for the busy lifestyle of today’s multi-tasking, business traveler, Hyatt Place provides casual hospitality in a well-designed, high-tech and contemporary environment. Signature features include a coffee and wine bar and 24-hour guest kitchen.

This historic landmark theater offers affordable live entertainment including a critically-acclaimed Broadway Series, comedy, concerts and dance in both The Paramount Theatre & Copley Theatre. Group discounts. Theater rentals are perfect for meetings, performances, fundraisers and banquets.

You can’t get much closer to the real thing than this. At the NASCAR Racing Experience, you’ll drive a race car that’s been driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin and other NASCAR drivers. You’ll get a true NASCAR driving experience: There’s no pace car to follow. Passing is allowed. And you’ll have in-car Racing Electronics radio communications. In 2014, the NASCAR Racing Experience will be at Chicagoland Speedway May 9-10, July 4, 5, 11, 12, and August 29-30. See their site for more details.

Shabbona Lake State Park Campground is a semi-wooded area with 150 Class A sites with electricity, showers, vehicular access, boat launch, playground, kid's fishing area, and The Camp Store. Bring your own poles or use The Camp Store's loaner fishing poles! We also have paddle boats that you may rent to enjoy a scenic view of Shabbona Lake. Each campsite has a gravel parking space, picnic table, and a campfire ring. Shabbona Lake State Park has two cabins available for rent. The cabin consists of two rooms that total approx. 200 square feet. Cabins are located near the shore of the lake and are fairly secluded.

Open 7 days a week to service the traveling public. The Ottawa Visitors Center is your one stop shop for information on the Starved Rock Areas special events, lodging, and outdoor activities. Stroll our turn-of-the-century Old Town with its lush walkways, boutique shops and unique restaurants. Stop here for your "Scenic Route to the Rock."

Farm dinners at Heritage Prairie Farm, in Elburn have been a tradition since 2007. All farm dinners include a welcome cocktail upon arrival to the farm with butler-passed appetizers, and live acoustic music. For dinner, an upscale five-course meal, introduced by the chef himself, is served family-style in a charming atmosphere, regardless of the season. Get an inside look at how the farm operates from one of their knowledgeable staff with a private tour of the farm.

The Millennium Carillon, a unique musical instrument consisting of 72 bells, is one of only four Grand Carillons in the world. Carillonneurs from around the world perform during the summer concert series. Climb 253 steps to the observation area to marvel at the views.

The park has approximately 100 water, electric and sewer hookups. Each electric hookup has 20amp, 30amp and 50amp service. These hookups can be used with RV's, vendor vehicles, booths, tent or camp setups, and other purposes. Ample space is available for open or primitive camping. Rates may vary depending on group size and facility requirements.

Bring a group of friends to play a round of paintball at Fox River Games. Open play or "walk-on" play is recreational play for all ages (age restrictions) and skill levels. Play as an individual or play in groups. Typically we are open every weekend Saturday and Sunday and during the summer we operate on Wednesdays and Fridays too. Please check our website for our operating schedule and specific hours of operation.

Although only 613 acres in size along the Illinois River, this state park is widely used by boaters and anglers of northeastern Illinois. Launching ramps with docks serve boaters from the Illinois River Bridge in Morris.

Fox River Bed and Breakfast is a historic Victorian farm house located 90 miles West of Chicago, and eight miles North of Ottawa, Illinois in the country on 17 lovely acres. We are surrounded by more things to do than you could ever imagine. The area is rich in history and the food is hot and delicious!

Fermi is the site of the world's most powerful particle accelerator, where particles circle the four-mile ring 57,000 times each second. Restored prairie grass areas, historic barns and a buffalo herd are also on display.

Less than 1 hour from Chicago, Kayak Morris provides unique rentals, guided tours and lessons. Trips are approximately 2 hours in length. Kayak and canoe tours maintain a leisurely pace, making stops along the way to enjoy nature and to take a rest. For a faster pace try a specialty kayak or canoe tour. All kayak and canoe tours will be on the Illinois River, Mazon River or I&M canal. All tours include kayak or canoe, life vest, paddle, lesson, and safety briefing. Tours are kept small in size to maintain comfort and pacing, so make sure to reserve your place ahead of time.